Europe Vatican City The truth of facts as an essential element to “disarm words and disarm the world,” said Pope Leo XIV, so that storytelling and narrative may once again serve peace; this was the leitmotiv of World Meeting on Human Fraternity round table “G20 Information”
Asia Cambodia The restoration of a 27-meter-long enclosure at Ta Prohm Temple is complete: the six-month project, a collaboration between the Apsara National Authority and the Archaeological Survey of India, repaired damage caused by aging and plant roots
Asia Malaysia Following the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina amid bullying allegations, the Malaysian Media Council is demanding better journalist safety after unaccredited individuals disrupted a press conference, creating safety risks for reporters covering the case
Europe Slovakia A ban on all open fires, including the use of official firepits, the burning of bushes and trees, and smoking, is in effect in the forests of Bratislava this week and until further notice, due to high risk fires
Asia Mongolia The 390th birthday of Undur Gegeen Zanabazar, a revered spiritual leader and artist has been commemorated at the Zanabazar Museum that houses his masterpieces: sculptures, thangkas, metal works blend traditional Buddhist iconography and Mongolian identity
America United States Over 6.000 international student visas have been revoked right before start of academic year because of overstay or violations of US law, the "vast majority" reportedly being assault, driving under the influence of drugs, burglary, "support for terrorism"
Asia Laos Mimee Phommaly, a 27-year-old woman with a degree in agriculture, is transforming in Luang Prabang farming: her Khamphet Farm cultivates over 25 types of fruit, actively challenging gender stereotypes in farming and empowering community by providing jobs
Asia Indonesia 80th Independence Day was celebrated with nationwide festivities on 17 August; the grand ceremony in Jakarta, led by President Prabowo, with a historic flag parade, cultural performances and fireworks, marked the milestone with massive public celebration
Africa Tanzania First rules for Direct-to-Mobile D2M satellite services have been issued by Communications Regulatory Authority; the new framework allows satellite operators and mobile companies to work together for direct satellite-smartphones connectivity in Tanzania
America Costa Rica A court in Costa Rica has blocked an increase in visitor quotas at Corcovado National Park, ruling the measure lacked scientific backing and violated environmental protections for one of the world's most biodiverse areas
Europe Spain Latest speed control campaign by the General Directorate of Traffic DGT took place from on 4-10 August: at 2.793 checkpoints, with 1.021.303 vehicles transiting, 68.662 drivers (6.7%) were reported for traveling at a speed exceeding the limit
Asia Turkey National Action Plan on Combating Violence Against Women 2026-2030 is at final stage of preparation; to confront this critical issue, Turkey has capitalized on achievements and international experience with a scientific basis and a participatory approach
Asia Brunei A surge in ‘Macau Scam’ cases with impersonation of bank and police officers is causing public distress: Cyber Crime Investigation Division warned citizens, saying it typically begins with phone calls signaling suspicious transactions on victim’s account
Europe Austria Airbnb has been providing data to the city of Graz, including the identity of the landlords, in response to growing opposition by many cities to short-term apartment rentals; Graz is demanding accommodation fees from landlords and will impose fines soon